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Anyone who has ever been handed a business card knows that the card itself plays a role in shaping the perception of the individual it belongs to. A crisp business card that is tastefully designed and is presented at an appropriate time can make a very positive impression that may lead to a fruitful business relationship, and Kion Kashefi believes it is important for professionals in any industry to thoughtfully consider the type of business card that is best suited to their needs. Mr. Kashefi has five suggestions that may be ideal for professionals in a variety of industries.

The Creative Presentation

A professional working in any sort of creative industry ought to be able to present a business card that accurately represents the creativity of their work, says Mr. Kashefi. A graphic designer should show off their skills in a card of their own design, and they may opt to do so through custom typography or other custom elements of graphic design.

The Interactive Approach

Mr. Kashefi believes that an interactive card is more likely to yield a beneficial professional relationship for a variety of reasons. An interactive card not only gives a professional contact reason to pull out the card, but it also gives them a reason to show it off to others. One advertising agency passed out musicbox comb cards that played a classic rock tune when it was traced by a fingernail, which makes it very likely that the card will be shown off time and again.

The Useful Option

A lot of shrewd professionals, according to Mr. Kashefi, have been handing out cards that are useful to the people they are handed out to. Professionals in industries involving repairs have taken to handing out multi-tools that are in the shape of a business card. This is a convenient little tool that a potential contact is very likely to hold onto for a very long time, which is obviously an exceptionally positive outcome.

The Industry-Relevant Choice

Professionals wishing to make a lasting impression with their business cards should opt for a design that is relevant to their specific industry. Many lawn care professionals have taken to handing out business cards that double as seed packets, while some delivery companies are handing out cards that can be folded into a cardboard box complete with shipping instructions.

The Classic Design

Mr. Kashefi believes that there is absolutely nothing wrong with opting for the classic business card look. An embossed business card with just the most relevant contact information is still a solid option for professionals regardless of their industry, and there is certainly a lot to like in this minimalist approach.

If you are in sales and don’t think you need business cards you are sadly mistaken. The business card is your friend and they can be had cheap. The small investment will pay off as people will not remember you without them. I have been the customer that requests a card and the salesman doesn’t have them. I view the lack of business cards as a negative and would rather work with a more established salesman. If you plan to be successful in business then get those business cards made up and keep plenty on hand. Kimra Bettasso has business cards and would not be without them.

The other day a snow bird gave me a business card that had his personal information on it and no business. I thought this would be a good way to convey your contact information to those you want to have it. The email can be tuff to remember as we get older so having the information on a card would be great. The card had a image of his motor home as well. If I need to find this guy the card would be all I needed. Tim DeCapua is a guy that hands out business cards like mad. He would be a good guide to follow.

For entrepreneurs who are running a company of their own, it is important for the business card they present to reflect the same creativity that led to a successful business endeavor. Business cards should be memorable and meaningful, and sometimes the classic business card with the stylish but understated embossing is not the most ideal way to reflect a creative and innovative persona.

As Luigi Wewege has said numerous times, a business card should not be showy without good reason. A card must make it clear what the person it represents does and why they are the best person to work with on that particular task. If the business card is for an individual working in the visual arts, then the card should be a miniature example of the creativity and skill the artist possesses. A bland, standard card will have the opposite effect.

The card itself should be created thoughtfully and constructed of solid material. It is also vital to remember that a card should not be handed out haphazardly. Only after a memorable interaction should a card be given to a potential contact, and there should be a good reason why that person will be interested in the products or services offered by the cardholder.

If, for example, an artist meets a prospective client at a gallery showing, then it is perfectly reasonable to say, “My work is inspired by this style. If you are interested, here is my card.” That is a good use of the card, whereas just handing them out to passersby is much less likely to yield any sort of positive result.

Choosing the color for your business card is important. If you chose a bright feminine color you may risk turning off the serious customer. You would want to go with a basic white or neutral color that doesn’t make your card a eye sore. If you want to add a splash of color then a background image could work but once again you want the card to read business like. If I see a fancy card it really tells me that the business is silly and may be a red flag. Co-Founder and CEO Luke Weil will always go for the business with the serious business card.

Have you ever asked for a card and was told they don’t have one? What does that tell you? It tells me that the salesman isn’t ready for business. If you can’t even have a business card printed what kind of business do you expect to conduct? How about the idiot that hands you someone else’s card with the name hand written. Tells me he is not serious. Luke Weil has cards and is ready for business. get your cards and don’t be caught not ready for business. I always have extra cards on me as I hate being caught without. It is not a sign of a busy salesman, but an unprofessional act.

Putting your picture is a mistake as the picture will always disappoint. If you have an attractive picture of your youthful self it will mislead the customer. If you have a true image on the card it will run them off. Better to have just a logo and the particulars. If you must include an image of yourself go ahead and doll it up with Photoshop. The end result will be mixed and not as bad as the truth. Mo Howard West Virginia Football will always be known for their business cards. They all put their pictures on the cards and it wasn’t pretty.

I know we all need to save money when we can in our business dealings. Business cards can be expensive depending on how fancy to design them. Anything not rectangular can be very expensive and the more colors to more the cost. You may want to print your own. The advantages of printing your own cards are many. You can print them as needed so you don’t have to have so many on hand. If there is a change on the card that is needed you can make it for little cost and have them immediately. The cards can change to suit the customer. If you are trying to land a particular client you can customize a card to appeal to that particular customer. Dove Medical Press card can have a medical theme.

Is your business card readily recognizable? If your company has the right logo then the cards will be instantly remembered. A good logo is a valuable asset and needs to be something the customer relates to you and the business. If you don’t have that special logo then you will need to use another tactic to grab the customers attention. A vibrant color is always a good thing to start with. The color needs to blend with the card style and not overwhelm the whole look. Dove Medical Press has the best business card possible. Their logo is a dove that make it the best relating card out there.

Ever get a business card that wouldn’t fin in your wallet? Threw it away didn’t you. It is important to get cards that are the right size. A little smaller that standard might be the ticket. If you are handing out cards every day then a smaller card will take up less room in your wallet as well. The purpose of a card is to convey you information to the prospective customer. A picture of yourself on the card can be a reminder to the customer. Keep it simple stupid. It is also important to keep the card short and to the point. Fisher Investments has a good card, simply perfect.